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Sunday, June 1, 2014

Hello peeps. I haven't blogged in months right. No time these days, so much has happened. Plz don't laugh at my dorky blog images, they're quite embarrassing. I should change those when I get a chance. Here's an awesome giveaway in the meantime! Said giveaway will start tonight at midnight CST and end June 23 @ 12am CST. First winner gets a $50 e-gift card to my shop. Second and third winners bother get a $25 e-gift card to use in me shop. Yay! Entries are easy, most are optional. Giveaway is open internationally, but please check your countries restrictions before entering. At the moment I can't ship to Italy, there may be others too. Anyway, winners will be notified via email provided for entry. They'll have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Entries will be verified. Please don't use multiple accounts (i.e hubs fb, pets fb, fake accounts, etc) to score extra entries. Under 18 can enter with parents permission, not intended as a loophole to gain extra entries plz mommas :) I think that's about it for technicalities. Oh, the giveaway isn't affiliated with Blogger, FB, RC, or anything. Just lil ol me! Thanks for entering, good luck!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Hi peeps! How goes it? I've been a busy devil. I find it rather impossible to sit down, swatch, and review anything these days. But, it is December. I started my blog a year ago this month, so I figured it was a good time to type up some giveaway shiz. No, I'm not going to force you to go back through my old posts with me. I find my older stuff quite embarrassing honestly, thus why I labeled this my (sort-of) Blogiversary giveaway. Said giveaway will have 3 winners, 2 from US, 1 International. Now let us speak of the prizes. First US prize is a giant 2oz bottle of glitter polish created by yours truly ANNNDD a mini bottle of Lady Marmalade. LM is the most popular item in the shop currently, the glitter polish is a one-of-a-kind. Check it out yo...

It's completely impractical, but completely necessary to own at least one giant bottle if for nothing more than a pretty desk ornament, agree? Anywho, I named her 'Don't Eat Me' because she reminds me of a gingerbread house. The base is a dark copper color (not sure why it looks red in that photo). Anywho, it's LOADED with micro glitters and my beloved dot glitters :) It's just random enough to be wearable anytime. Too many colors and sizes to name them all. I recommend layering it, but you should be able to achieve full coverage alone in 3-4 coats. Now for prize number two. A set of minis from yours truly! Have a look-see...

Some lucky duck will receive The Big Bang Theory (second most popular in the shop yo), Cloud 9, ANNNDD 2 pre-release duo chromes! Yay! Third and final prize is for International folks, and I thought it nice to give away a gift card to le shoppe.

The e-gift card can be used on anything in the shop. Double yay! Now for technical things...The giveaway is open to blog followers, new and old. Please enter using one account per person. Using more than one account to increase chances of winning will result in disqualification. Please play fair :) You can gain extra entries when you complete the optional entries. I've decided to open the giveaway to all ages, but entrants under 18 must have their parent's permission. The giveaway will run for 2 weeks, ending Jan. 3 at 12am CST. All winning entries will be verified, winners will be notified via email. I'll also post a Facebook announcement. Said winners have 48 hours to claim their goodies or alternate winners will be chosen. Umm, what else? Oh yeah, the giveaway is in no way affiliated with Blogger, Google, or Facebook. All prizes are sponsored by me, yada yada yada. Ok, I think that's it. Sorry it's taken so long to get this done, I stay a busy little devil. Better late than never though. Now go enter, good luck!

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Hey peeps! I'm very excited to bring you my first Wantable box review! I was provided with a complimentary box in exchange for my honest opinions. I've been following Wantable.com for a few months, so of course I jumped at the opportunity! Those unfamiliar with the company and what they do - Wantable.com doesn't just offer a beauty subscription. Those interested in fashion jewelry and accessories can sign up for the new Accessories box. Not just that, they also just started a new Intimates sub box if you dig pretty skivvies. The Intimates box will start in October, pre-orders are being accepted now. I'm a makeup glutton myself, so I chose their beauty box without a second thought. For $36 a month you receive 4-6 FULL SIZE beauty products valued at $80-$100. As with other sub services, you can skip a month or cancel at any time. I should also add, if you're not keen on the idea of having a monthly subscription, you can also purchase a box without subscribing for $40 - so either way you're getting a deal. At signup, you take a style quiz that helps determine what products to put in your box. Each item can be rated as dislike, like, or LOVE. Wantable.com will never send you any products or colors you've disliked. Now that I've told you a bit about the company, let's check out what's in the box. Shall we?

Let me start by telling you Wantable.com is the first company I've ever had send an email notification letting me know when my package has been delivered. Seriously, as hot as it's been lately I was a tad concerned that I may not get to my box before the sun cooked it. Wantable.com...I must give you HUGE kudos for that one! Friggin genius! Now on to the goods...The September box rocked my socks! I got not one, but three lip products. SCORE! Check 'em out yo...

This is my new favorite lippy btw. I'll go ahead and admit, when I opened my box and read over the paper I was slightly disappointed for just a second when I saw that Face Stokholm was suppose to be in my box. Their replacement product did MORE than make up for that! Manna Kadar is fab, and this gorgeous creation is their Gloss Ware long lasting lip gloss in Hot Lips. Retail value, $19. So kudos again Wantable, for sending me the perfect substitute! Next is Manna Kadar Lip Glaze in Patty Cakes...

Another fab lippy! Manna Kadar Lip Glazes also retail for $19. Patty Cakes is a gorgeous shimmery peach color. I prefer to layer it over a nude lip liner for a minimal daytime look :) Another thing I love about the Manna Kadar lippies that came in the box...they're lightly scented and flavored. Ready for my next lippy? This one's by Besame, another brand that I've wanted to try out for a while.

Beseme Cherry Sweetheart Balm is another great lip product with a hint of color and flavor.. Retailing at $18 each, the Sweetheart Balm comes in 4 delicious shades. I wouldn't mind seeing more of these from Wantable.com, this stuff is pretty heavenly. Now on to the eyeshadow....

I was excited about this one! I've been so into green eyeshadow lately :) Lise Watier solo shadow in Vert Cosmique is a shade I'll be using a lot. I decided to swatch it alone and over eyeshadow primer. LOVE. Now I'll show you the sample of Lise Watier Ombre Souffle Surpreme. Note the sample is just a freebie added to the box, it doesn't count as one of your 4-6 products...

Sunrise Peach and Verte Enchante were my samples. They're both pretty. I would like to get my hands on Verte Enchante for sure! I appreciate the sample, Lise Watier's Ombre Souffle Surpreme retails at $24 a pop! I couldn't make myself drop that much dough on a single shadow without trying out a sample first. Now let's check out the next item I received in my September Wantable box...

Yay! I got Liberty Republic's Vally Girl Falsies! It's a shame, I'm 33 years old and I have yet to use any falseies, so I was happy to get these. If you're wondering why I haven't posted a photo of them on my eyes, it's because application is apparently something that takes practice. I've put my review off for a week in hopes of getting these things on my face right, but I'm not there yet. Liberty Republic Fake It falsies retail for $8, BUT - I've just been browsing their website and they have these babies marked down to $4! It's a good time to stock up :) Now down to the last item in the box...

Color Club's Art Club nail art lacquer retails for $4. I don't own any CC's, so I'm happy to add one to my vast polish collection. I also don't own any nail art brushes, so the thin art brush makes me happy :) I wanted to get some awesome nail art done for your eyeballs today, but I've been crazy busy lately. Please accept my lazy apology, I'll make some art with this stuff one day soon!

So there you have it...The September Wantable.com beauty box seems fab to me! I really like the lippies and eyeshadow. Total retail value - $86 - $82 if you figure in the $4 price drop on Liberty Republic. I'll be subscribing just as soon as I can. I love that each box is customized to fit your likes and tastes :) Going by the success they've had their first year, I'd be willing to bet they'll be adding more awesome brands as they continue to grow. I hope to see some high-end nail polish in future boxes (*Illamasqua, Deborah Lippmann- hint, hint) Time for linkage! Check out the Wantable.com website here, like them on Facebook hereand last but not least - follow along with Twitter here. Now it's your turn. What do you think of the Wantable September box? Are you a subscriber, or are you planning on signing up? Let me know your thought and opinions folks. Comments make me happy :) Until next time peeps!

Friday, August 30, 2013

Hey peeps! I'm sorry this post will not be my normal wordy posts. I've been uber busy, with the shop opening, kiddo going back to school, and of course working on my products. I find it EXTREMELY difficult to find the time to blog, or even swatch for that matter. I can usually multi-task with them best of 'em, but I like to concentrate solely on my blog posts when writing them or else I make TONS of typing errors. That being said, I'm showing you a couple new crellies from Pinkey Nails. Her shop has re-opened, and she's got new items in stock. Links will be provided at the conclusion of the review. First up, I've got a white crelly with a slight shimmer. There's lots of random neon glitters mixed in. Check it out...

Cute! Formula & dry time are good. Swatch shows 3 thick coats + Seche Vite top coat because my Walgreens was sold out of OTD, which is what I PREFER to swatch with. SV is a little pricey, tends to bubble if my coats are too thick, and causes shrinkage on occasion. Don't have to worry about any of that with the other stuff. I need to order a big bottle, I go through OTD like I used to go through vodka. Now that I've fed you too much info, let's move on to the next swatch, A Night In The 80's...

Another bottle of cuteness. Closeup...

This one is adorable, loaded with another neon glitter mix. Different glitter than what's used in White Light. Application was easy, no issues with glitter placement or dry time. I used 3 thick coats for that too btw + SV. So, my opinions...I dig these, like the white one better but they're both uber cute with dreamy formulas. I have 2 other Pinkey Nails pretties to show you soon, one of them is a thermal polish! I've got to work on my pre-orders and restock the shop, so I wont promise the next review will be up tomorrow but I'll do my best to have it up within the weekend. Now, linkage...If you're interested in checking out what's available in Pinkey Nails Etsy shop, click here. Like Pinkey Nails on Facebook here to stay utd on shop news. Now it's your turn...Which is your fave? Own any Pinkey Nails, want to? Leave me comment love if you wish. I'm out yo!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Hey peeps! How goes it? I'm doing fine myself. Staying busy, that's pretty good. I still have loads of polish I need to swatch, but for now let me take the opportunity to show you my new REFORMULATED Lust-rous Linears Collection. You can click the photo above to check out the shop btw. I decided to reformulate according to feedback on the original version. You guys wanted more holo, so you got it! I'm still uber new at the polish making thing, I've only been playing with frankens & such since March. There's loads I still need to learn, which is where my precious polish addicted nail bloggers come in handy. I value your input, whether good or bad because it enables me to make stuff that appeals to you, and gives me a chance to fix anything you think needs improving. The last thing I want to do is disappoint anyone. That being said, I've added shit tons more holo to the 2.0 versions. Fans had mentioned they'd like to see me create something comparable to Color Club and I think I came pretty damn close *pats self on back* I also tweeked the formulas of each shade so they're all opaque in 2 coats. Please note - a thin 3rd coat may be needed for some touch ups when using Not Quite Golden Shower and Suck My Peach. Other than that they are good to go yo. Let us feast our eyeballs upon G Spot, shall we?

Better? You're welcome. Next up is Not Quite Golden Shower...

It's still yellow, sort of. The higher concentration of spectraflair gives it a slightly green, fluorescent look that is pretty friggin awesome if I do say so myself. Now let's see some Water Nympho...

Go figure the best shot I got of this was while I was sitting on the couch using my laptop. It's much lighter than the original version but not because I decided to lighten it. The extra spectraflair did that. It's so gorgeous too! Almost looks like Layla's Mermaid Dreams Hologram Effects minus the shitty formula and retarded price tag. Moving on...

Would you do me? I'd do me. I'd do me so hard...Ok, Buffalo Bill was priceless, but I actually came up with the name "I'd Do Me" from this Family Guy scene. Best parody EVER...

Now that you know my secret, doesn't it make the name funnier? Well I think it does. That scene in Silence of the Lambs is actually my favorite scene in the whole movie. Family guy is also one of my favorite shows. And I just realized how "intelligent" that makes me sound. Oh well, onward!

That there's Absynthe Makes My Clothes Fall Off - reformulated. Much more holo-y than the original. The added spectraflair gives it a slight blue tint so it's got a light teal look going on now. I love it though and the formula is fab. Are you ready for the final swatch? Well ready or not, here comes Suck My Peach 2.0...

Once again, the higher concentration of spectraflair used in the new version has changed the color slightly. Now Suck My Peach is more nude, but still awesome. In fact, I think it's bad ass and I'm proud of myself for making it. Those that have been adventurous enough to chat with me know I have my own language. If I don't like what something's called I rename it. Peaches mean nuts in my language. I guess I should've named it Suck My Peaches or Suck My Nutsack instead...I didn't want to get all out there with it and send my polish peeps running for the hills though ;) Arg, I don't feel like any of my photos show the true awesomeness that is the Lust-rous Linears 2.0. These things are friggin SWEET! Now, let's talk some bin-ness... The Lust-rous Linear collection is available now for pre-order. I just placed another spectraflair order, so wait time shouldn't exceed a couple weeks. Please note- I've only got the shop set up for US and Canadian orders right now. I'd love to add more countries, so any followers in the UK, Australia, France, or any of those other places that don't have strict shipping regulations - please contact me prior to ordering via email at tami(dot)willis(at)cox(dot)net. Let me know what you're wanting to purchase, where you're located, and I will get the shipping rates updated for you. Please be aware of your countries' shipping regulations prior to ordering, I can't be held responsible for lost or confiscated packages. Anywho, you can still use code ThankYou15 for 15% off your order through September 1, which just so happens to be my birthday. Yay, sort of. I'll be 33. Does anyone else have issues with getting old? I've been thinking so much about my younger days lately. Oh I was a wild one, so I'm told...it sure was fun from what I can remember. I don't think the present-day me could handle the younger me though. I'm glad I was able to turn polish into the addiction it's become. Makes a great 100 proof substitute. Hopefully with you peeps' feedback and suggestions, I'll be able to make my polish-making hobby a some-what lucrative business. I don't look to get rich by any means, but hopefully, eventually, I'll be able to go buy a set of Illamasquas without feeling like shit about it. There's still about a week left to enter my giveaway btw, entre here. I've also added a prize to Nail Addicted Sisters' 1000 FB Likes giveaway, entre that one here. So...I think I'm done rambling for the moment. I'll type atcha again soon peeps, I'm out!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Hey peeps! My poor blog is quite neglected, but far from forgotten. I've been busy trying not to give myself a stroke, heart attack, or something from STRESS. I haven't had the chance to post an update here yet, but The Devil Wears Polish is now LIVE on Store Envy. I decided to go with Store Envy over Etsy because I love the customization options. And honestly, it's cheaper to start out with so double score. Check out what's currently available here. Use code ThankYou15 through August 13 for 15% off your order, hint, hint ;) So far I've only listed full size bottles, I'll add minis in the coming weeks. I should also add, as of now I'm only shipping to US and Canada addresses. I may add other countries later on, depending on how well things go. At this time I only listed one collection and lots of singles, but that one collection is a really bad ass collection so let me show you a couple of them! I have lots of new stuff soon to come, keep an eye out for new pretties around Halloween too ;) For now have a peek at my favorite from my Lust-Rous Linears Collection. I named her Absynthe Makes My Clothes Fall Off...

Oh alcohol is fun, right? So is this polish, and since I no longer drink the nectar of gods I couldn't resist referencing a drunken stooper for a polish name. She's light, ridge filler is a good base to build it up with, but since I lost my other swatches on my new shit-tastic laptop I got lazy and swatched this over Orly Bonder. Here's 3 decent coats for your viewing pleasure, no top coat...

It's more awesome in person, but then again maybe I'm biased. Next up, I'm gonna show you some photos of G Spot, also from the Lust-Rous Linears Collection. Check out my bottle shot first just because I'm a creature of habit...

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but this is NICE. Who doesn't love a purple holo? I originally planned on naming this Purple People Eater because I couldn't think of anything else. Then I thought of G Spot, and low and behold the ONE time I don't Google the polish name to see if it's already used, a dear fan saved my butt by showing me the Australian indie of the same name. Thanks a ton for that Rebecca! Not only did they share a name, they look damn near identical. OWCH! Anywho, there's the reason for the name change, and I prefer it since I have the dirty name theme going on. Although to be brutally honest, I was totally thinking Penis when I landed on PPE :/ Now that I've provided you with entirely too much information, let's have a look at G Spot swatched...

Weee! That's awesome right? Now how's about some giveaway info!

Since I surpassed 500 FB likes during The Polish Diva's 100 likes giveaway, I'm combining the 500 Likes and the Shop Opening giveaway. There will be 3 winners. Since I'm kinda poor, there's going to be 2 US prizes and one prize for fans in Canada.

The first US prize will be a full size custom of The Devil Wears Polish, and some nail art stuffs. If you'd prefer one of the Lust-Rous Linears over a custom, that's ok too :) Now on to the next prize...

Second US prize is the Lust-Rous Linears mini collection. Don't worry, they'll be labeled before they're shipped ;) Now the third and final prize for my dear Canadians is a 50% off discount code! Sounds good right? Technicalities...I can't be held responsible for lost or damaged prizes, but I promise to bubblewrap the shit outta them :) The giveaway starts now, and will end at 12am CST, September 4. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen, yada, yada, yada. First rafflecopter widget is for US only, second for Canadians. Good luck peeps, I'm out!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Hey hey peeps! Please accept my apologies for the lack of blog posts lately. I've been super busy preparing to launch my indie polish line, The Devil Wears Polish. Now that the blog and FB pages are switched over, all I've got left to do is create more pretties and get the shop done! If all goes as planned, I aim to open the first week of August. In the meantime, I've fallen even farther behind on swatches so lets check out this long over due review of Layla Cosmetics Hologram Effects nail polish. I won a giveaway from SFR Beauty, prize being a $100 gift certificate! Very awesome. SFR Beauty focuses on organic, high-end cosmetics, skin care, etc, and they are one of Ebay's premiere beauty suppliers. I recommend following them on Facebook and Twitter to stay utd on their sales, giveaways, and more. You can check out the shop here too. Now back to polish.

It was very simple for me to decide what I wanted to use the gift card on. I've lusted after the Layla Hologram Effects since seeing them in Ulta about a year ago. So winning the $100 gift card was sorta like hitting the lottery for me, I got 6 Laylas! I will say the holo is spectacular in each bottle I ordered, but I was disappointed in the formulas for a few reasons... I've spoken with several other bloggers, and we all seem to have the same complaints. The application of the Layla Hologram Effects is SUPER tricky, and they seem to chip almost instantly. If you try to apply these like any
other polish, you'll end up slapping on a good 5-7 coats. That probably has a lot to do with the chipping too. The formula
is thin and uber touchy, you'll have patches and drag marks that are loads of
fun to cover up if you're not extremely gentle and take care to avoid using the brush tip. After a lot of experimenting and chatting with other
bloggers, I've finally figured out the best way to apply Layla Hologram
Effects. Flat brush painting. When applying, use thick coats, spread it by gently moving the flat part of the brush down the nail. It also helps build up opaqueness and increase staying power when you layer these things over other polishes, but I didn't do it with all of my swatches today. Now I feel like a jackass to complain so much about a product, so I must
say these things look friggin amazing. I'm very happy with the look of
them, not so much with application and wear. Now I'll stop pissing & moaning and show you Jade Groove.

Jade Groove is light green, I'm assuming. I can't really distinguish whether it looks more green, silver, or blue but I'll go with green because of the name. I applied 3 THICK coats in my swatch. Here's a wonky-angled shot of Jade Groove, just because it's awesome...

Gorgeous right? It almost makes the shit-tastic formula forgivable. Now let's have a look-see at Gold Idol...

For this swatch, I again used 3 thick coats, but opted for Zoya Goldie as my undies. Gold Idol is the prettiest gold polish I've ever seen. Oh! One good thing about the Laylas formula is the dry time. It's so thin, it dries almost instantly. I thought I should mention that since I haven't already. Here's another Gold Idol shot for your viewing pleasure ...

Very pretty! Next up I've got Mercury Twilight...

I used 3 thick coats over Zoya Trixie, undies seem to help the holo bond a bit better. Here's another shot at yet another wonky angle...

All bitching aside, I LOVE the way these things sparkle! It doesn't matter if you're outside in the sun or sitting beside a reading lamp, these Layla's are spectacular for lack of a better description. Ready for some Emerald Divine? Me thinks you are...

I'm in love with that green. I was able to get away with 2 thick coats and no undies by using the flat brush technique. That be awesome! Here's another look...

Gorgeous. I understand why it was on back order. But wait, they get even better. Next up is Purple Illusion.

It leans more towards magenta than purple, but it's gorgeous anyway. I used two thick coats for my swatch, no undies. And here's a second look for ya...

Apologies for the super wonky angle. It's still pretty, but I saved my favorite for last. Feast your eyes upon Mermaid Spell...

LOVE! I used 3 thick coats, no undies for this swatch. Can you see why it's my
favorite? How 'bout I show you Mermaid Spell in a different angle?

It's so holo-y and pretty, I've used it several times since I got it. Yeah, this one I love so much I'm willing to forgive the nit-picky formula. I have the urge to show you another shot to ensure you understand how awesome it is. You're welcome.

Now for my verdict on Layla Hologram Effects nail polish. They're difficult to work with, they chip easily, and being imported from italy - they aren't widely available here in the US. They're quite pricey too at $16 a pop. Although I've heard recently Ulta has lots of them on clearance. All issues aside, I am very happy with the finished holographic effect they produce. In my opinion, the only other company that's released holos comparative to Layla is Color Club with their magnificent Halo Hues. Unfortunately I don't own any CCs to compare them to, I'm just going by swatches I've seen. I haven't heard of any application issues with the Halo Hues either, and they're quite a bit cheaper. I'll grab a few more Laylas when I find them on sale, just because they amaze me and I'll use them for special occasions. I'm still very happy to add them to my small stash of imported polish, but I'm pretty sure Color Club would be the more reasonable choice if you're looking to get your holo fix. So, what's your opinion? Do you own any Hologram Effects? Is yours a love-hate relationship as well? Leave some comment love if you wish. Btw, don't foget to check out The Polish Diva's 100 FB likes giveaway that I'm taking part in. Click here to get to it. Until next time peeps...